Photo: Doug Gray
The Cincinnati Reds began their series with Tampa Bay last night with a 7-2 win over the Rays. The two teams will be back on the field tonight for the middle game of their 3-game series at Great American Ball Park. Tonight’s first pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm ET.
Starting Lineups
Starting Pitchers
Andrew Abbott
After pitching a perfect inning in the All-Star game, Andrew Abbott allowed two runs in six innings in his first start of the second half against the Mets. That was just the fourth time this season in 17 starts that he allowed two or more earned runs.
The splits for Abbott pretty much don’t exist this season. Both lefties and righties are hitting very similar across the board in just about every category.
SplitsÂ
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 296 | 61 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 19 | 67 | .222 | .271 | .349 |
| LHH | 98 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 21 | .225 | .281 | .337 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.5 | 88.2 | 80.5 | 82.3 | 84.4 |
| Usage | 48% | 5% | 11% | 17% | 20% |
Ryan Pepiot
In his final start of June, Ryan Pepiot allowed four runs in just 1.2 innings on five hits and two walks. He’s rebounded from that a bit in July as he’s posted a 4.50 ERA in four starts, but he’s been plagued by the long ball in that stretch – giving up seven home runs in 24.0 innings.
The splits for Pepiot are quite large. He’s got reverse splits as he’s much better against left-handed hitters, who have not hit for average or been able to get on base at all against him. When they do find a hit, lefties do hit for a solid amount of power. Right-handed hitters are finding a good amount of his against him and hitting for plenty of power against him.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 265 | 64 | 10 | 2 | 13 | 19 | 52 | .267 | .330 | .488 |
| LHH | 222 | 37 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 19 | 66 | .184 | .257 | .368 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | 2-seam | Cutter | Curve | Change | |
| Velo | 95.0 | 94.4 | 89.9 | 80.9 | 86.1 |
| Usage | 43% | 3% | 27% | 3% | 24% |
When and Where
- Game time: 6:40pm ET
- Where:Â Great American Ball Park
- Watch:Â FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 89°, cloudy, 15% chance of rain
News and Notes
Scott Barlow is back, Luis Mey to Triple-A
After spending time on the paternity list, Scott Barlow has been activated. Luis Mey is heading back to Triple-A after a short stay to fill the open spot that was in the bullpen.
Carson Spiers will undergo Tommy John surgery
Mark Sheldon of Reds.com is reporting that Spiers will need Tommy John surgery. He injured his elbow while rehabbing his way back from a shoulder injury.
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Milwaukee | 61 | 42 | 0.0 | 93.3% |
| Chicago | 60 | 43 | 1.0 | 94.1% |
| Cincinnati | 54 | 50 | 7.5 | 14.6% |
| St. Louis | 54 | 51 | 8.0 | 24.9% |
| Pittsburgh | 42 | 62 | 19.5 | 0.0% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
